Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement Wednesday on the Climate Security Act:

“Virginians can be proud that our Senator, John Warner, is a lead sponsor of the Climate Security Act, which is under consideration by the U.S. Senate this week. Global warming is one of the most critical issues of our time, and it will have serious consequences for Virginia if it remains unchecked.

“The bipartisan legislation sponsored by senators Warner, Lieberman and Boxer uses a market-based approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a strong bill that will, over time and with complementary state and local actions, achieve the level of reductions that scientists say are needed to prevent the worst consequences of global warming.

“Concerns have been raised about how the bill might affect the nation’s economy and the coal industry which is so important to Virginia. I have confidence in provisions that have been recently added to the bill to address those legitimate concerns. I also recognize that similar legislation will be the subject of important deliberations in the House of Representatives where those issues will continue to be discussed and refined. I encourage that process.

“But, failing to deal with global warming is not a sensible option. The debate over this bill gives Congress the opportunity to begin formation of a national policy on climate change for the first time. For this reason, it is my hope that the Senate will pass Senator Warner’s bill and send a clear signal that America will have a national policy on this most urgent issue.”